Is your preschooler having behavioral issues? It could be a “sensory” issue.
The preschool years can be a challenging time for parents as children are developing so many new skills. Children want to explore, play and move their bodies all day as they are always learning something new. This is a common age group for tantrums, moodiness and power struggles when it comes to following routines such as meals, dressing and bedtime. So when are these just typical preschooler behaviors and when do we need to be concerned that there is something more going on. Sensory processing allows us to learn about the world around us and decide how we will [...]
Torticollis and Its Impact on Motor Skills: The Importance of Early Intervention
Torticollis, a condition where a child's head is tilted to one side, can have a significant impact on their development, particularly their motor skills. If left untreated, torticollis can lead to a range of issues, including delayed motor development, postural abnormalities, and even vision problems. Understanding Torticollis Torticollis is often caused by tightness in the neck muscles on one side. This tightness can force the child's head to tilt in a particular direction. While the condition can be present at birth, it can also develop in the early months of life. The Impact on Motor Skills Motor skills, which involve [...]
Is Your Child Constantly on the Move? Understanding Hyperactivity and Occupational Therapy
Many children naturally have high energy levels, but when these levels become excessive and interfere with daily activities, it might be a sign of hyperactivity. If your child is constantly moving and struggling to sit still, occupational therapy can provide valuable support. My child is constantly moving and cannot sit still. Excessive energy, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating is common. Children may find it challenging to sit still during class, play quietly, or complete tasks that require sustained attention. How Can Occupational Therapy Help? Occupational therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain [...]
Is My Child Too Old or Too Young for Occupational Therapy to Help with Feeding Challenges?
Understanding Occupational Therapy and When to Seek Help Occupational therapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living. When it comes to feeding challenges, occupational therapists can play a crucial role in supporting children. Signs Your Child May Benefit from Occupational Therapy for Feeding Challenges Here are some common signs that your child might need occupational therapy to address feeding issues: Swallowing difficulties: This includes choking, gagging, or coughing while eating. Refusal to eat: If your child consistently refuses to eat or is extremely picky, it [...]
Developmental Coordination Disorder and it’s impact on child development
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can impact a child's ability to learn motor skills and execute smooth coordinated motor movements impacting fine and gross motor coordination, balance and postural control as well as sensorimotor coordination. The challenges with this disorder can significantly impact daily life, school performance and participation in leisure activities. Persistence of these challenges can continue into late childhood and teen years affecting physical health, mental health and quality of life. Other terminologies that have been used over the years to describe DCD are clumsy child syndrome, developmental apraxia, [...]
Using the Art of Co-regulation to Create Calm and Healthy Emotions in Children.
Have you ever noticed when you spend time with a person who is anxious and complains a lot, that you become anxious too. Your heart starts to race and your skin becomes hot. You begin to enter into a fight or flight response. Imagine you are sitting in the audience of a comedy show, where every one around you is laughing and happy. How do you feel? Energetic and your mood is elevated. Now think about how you feel when you are holding a calm sleeping baby animal on your lap. They are quietly breathing and cuddling with you. Your [...]